The most significant international development of 2011 is without doubt the grassroots revolution in the Arab world. On 17 December 2010, Mohammad Boazizi, a vegetable vendor on the streets of Tunisia, literally provided the spark by setting himself on fire. Within a couple of weeks 14 of the 23 nations in the Arab World were engulfed in riots.
From a Christian perspective, there are two possible scenarios.
Some predict that the Church in the Arab World is on the verge of disappearing. As Islamic extremists take hold of post-revolution countries like Libya and Egypt, thousands of Christians are forced to flee in the face of persecution. On 10 October 2011, during a peaceful demonstration in Cairo, 27 Coptic Christians were killed and more than 300 injured. They have been more under attack since the start of the revolution than in the years during the Mubarak rule. With more than 100,000 Christians fleeing the country, the fate of the Church stands in the balance and the effect on the Christian witness could be devastating.
On the other hand there are also indications that the grip of Islam in the region is weakening. The most identifiable characteristic of the Arab Spring is the fact that Muslims stood up against their leaders and their governments, and are now questioning their way of life.
Another sign of hope is that on 13 March 2011, Chinese church leaders agreed with mission leaders in the Gulf region to accept, mentor and disciple missionaries from China. The Chinese ‘Back to Jerusalem’ movement is maturing and not afraid for persecution. Also significant was the unprecedented all night prayer meeting in Mohattam, Cairo, on 11 November 2011, which drew more than 70,000 Christians in Egypt together. The historic event was marked by unity among Coptic and Evangelical Christians, brokenness in the presence of God, and boldness to shape the future of the nation.
Prayer focus:
Let’s pray for our brothers and sisters in the Arab World as they face an increase in persecution, and for them to use this opportunity to spread the Gospel of Love amongst their Muslim countrymen.
Source: InContext
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I pray that the believers will continue to be able to speak the Good News in the Middle East.That God will protect the Persecuted Church in the Middle East and other hostile nations. I pray that The Lord will continue to give the believers courage, faith, and strength that only comes from the Holy Spirit. I pray that God will provide for the persecuted believers. I pray that the believers will continue to be able to speak the Good News in the Middle East.
2 Corinthians 1:5
New International Version (NIV)
5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.